Parse Audio are a catalyst for sonic explorations – a label set in the rich electronic environment of Spain. They’re known for their frequent sourcing of avant-garde techno, as evidenced by Origin Part I EP, which came out on July 3rd courtesy of label owner Degray, as well as Origin Part II which is coming out on October 23rd.
Degray’s interdisciplinary approach is applied to all of his productions. His transience results in tracks that are representative of a more ephemeral vibe that glides through the bulk of electronic sub-genres. His work adheres to the reflective side of electronic music – heavy on the atmosphere, but light on the ears.
In summary, the first EP is a constellation of sonic semaphores. The abundance of sampling creates a vernacular that illustrates visions of a post-apocalyptic arena, symbolic of abandonment and reunion. Degray’s EP could also be interpreted as lithified sound sediment; ambience as a matrixial nebula for order and insight, and a glimpse into the vast world of post-genre production.
We took the chance to chat with Degray to dig a little deeper into the man and the artist behind such thought-provoking music.
Hello Degray! Where are you talking to us from today?
Hi, I’m currently in Valencia taking some days off as I’ve been very busy lately and needed a break from the studio.
Is this where you’re based?
No, I’m based in Barcelona.
How did you first connect with electronic music?
I connected with electronic music at an early age as it was generally used as soundtrack music to science fiction movies I used to watch, but it wasn’t until I was 21 that I immersed myself in the scene. My roommate at the time was really into electronic music, specifically Trance, but since there wasn’t a lot of that in Barcelona at the time we used to go to Techno events instead. At the time I was already producing music, mainly Hip Hop and Soundtrack music. After going to a lot of events I started to dabble in Techno and Ambient production and started to get into it on a deeper level.
What does “Degray” mean and how did you choose the name?
There is no specific meaning behind the name really, but when I decided to start this project and was searching for a name I wanted something that doesn’t confine me to one genre. For me the color Gray was ideal as it’s a color that mixes two extremes, black and white, and as such I felt it represented what I was trying to do.
You just had a new EP on Parse Audio titled Origin Part I. Can you tell us a little about this release and what the inspiration behind it was?
When I started thinking about the next release I wanted to make I was really intrigued by the idea of releasing an album, but I didn’t want to put myself under the pressure of a release schedule. I also never liked releasing Ep’s that feel like a simple collection of tracks, so I decided to create Ep’s that are part of a full story, and each release is connected to the previous one.
How many parts can we expect to come after this one?
The next release will be Origin Part II which will be the last one for the first series, but I am already working on the second series which will be following the same release style but with a different mood as it will be a different scene within the same story.
Do you feel the tracks on the EP are dance-floor ready or do you envision them played/listened to in a different setting?
I try to create music that doesn’t work only in one setting. I think that I prefer to leave that to other people to decide which setting they prefer to hear it in.
Parse Audio is a label known for its avant-guard techno soundscapes. How do you feel your release fits in with their concept?
The idea behind Parse Audio was to evolve and create a label without confinement to one genre or concept. I think this series will definitely evolve and remain within the original concept behind the label.
What are some of your hobbies outside of music?
I enjoy watching films and series as a way to disconnect and get inspired. I really need to read more… unfortunately lately I didn’t have the time for new books. I also enjoy travelling and exploring new cities and cultures.
What are some of your favorite Barcelona spots to hang out at?
I really like taking strolls in the old part of the city and finding new bars to get a drink with friends and good places to eat. I think Barcelona is a great city to just walk around and explore to get some inspiration.
What are your goals with this project?
There is no specific goal behind the project, I’m just trying to share my personal take on music.
What do you hope to be doing exactly 2 years from today?
I don’t like to think too much about the future, I enjoy the way things are going right now.
Connect with Degray: Facebook
Connect with Parse Audio: Soundcloud | Facebook | Twitter
